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first put roots down in growing wine grapes in 1980. Knowing
Colorado has extremely limited areas for grape production
we searched two of the areas in western Colorado renowned
for growing peaches, cherries and apples. We correctly figured
that if the weather was temperate enough for fruit trees it
was likely wine grapes could be grown and thrive.
Our first venture was leasing a 11-acre
site on Garvin Mesa, just north of the small farming community
of Paonia, in 1980. We planted 8,000 Riesling, Gewurztraminer
and Cabernet Franc vines by hand, tilled the soil, pruned
the vines and picked the grapes. It was learn-as-you go.
Four years later we founded Plum Creek
Winery and embarked on a pioneering venture of making premium
wines from grapes grown only in Colorado. It was a unique
idea at the time for a winery to commit to using only grapes
grown in Colorado. As a mark of our early venture Plum Creek
holds Colorado winery license No. 10, the oldest license of
all of the state’s wineries now in existence.
More than 20 years later we remain
dedicated to our mission of making Colorado-grown wines of
excellent quality. "Colorado is where our heart is,"
say owners Doug and Sue Phillips. "We invite you to discover
Colorado’s true distinction of place in Plum Creek wines." |